Hair tie with an elastic loop and fastener along with methods for using the same

ABSTRACT

A hair tie for securing a piece of hair of a user is provided. The hair tie includes an elastic loop and a fastener that is secured to the elastic loop by a coupler. The hair tie includes an opening formed when the fastener is coupled to the elastic loop by the coupler. The hair tie further comprises cinch-like mechanics to secure a piece of hair of a user, such that the hair tie secures the piece of hair of the user in a manner that prevents the piece of hair of the user from moving by forming a no-slip grip about the piece of hair of the user. A method for securing the piece of hair of a user using the hair tie disclosed herein is also provided.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/854,778 filed on May 30, 2019, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to a hair tie. More specifically, this invention relates to a hair tie having an elastic loop and a fastener that uses cinch-like mechanisms that allow the hair tie to create a no-slip grip that is capable of securing any piece of hair regardless of the size, type or style of the piece of hair.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hair ties (also called a hair elastic, ponytail holder, hair band) are generally known in the art. Hair ties are used to fasten hair, particularly long hair, such as a ponytail, braids or dreadlocks away from areas such as the face. The prior art has developed a variety of hair ties known in the art capable of at least partially securing a piece of hair for at least some time. They are not without their drawbacks.

A first drawback of the hair ties currently known in the art is that they are not capable of reliably securing the piece of hair to which they are attached. This requires users to have to constantly adjust or reposition their hair ties throughout the day. As such, a hair tie is currently needed that reliably secures pieces of a user's hair such that the user does not need to constantly adjust the hair tie throughout the day.

A second drawback is that hair ties currently known in the art provide limited flexibility as to how much hair can be secured by any one hair tie. For example, many hair ties that are currently known in the art fall out of a user's hair if the hair tie is not secured to a large enough piece of the user's hair. Further, other hair ties are not capable of securing the hair of a user if the piece of hair is greater than the size that the hair tie was designed to accommodate. As such, the current field of art is also in need of a hair tie that is capable a securing both small amounts of hair and large amount of hair by the same hair tie.

A third drawback of currently known hair ties is that many of them leave undesirable bumps in the piece of hair that the hair tie is meant to secure. To combat this, users are required to take additional measures that are time consuming and costly such as having to spray fine or straight hair with water and comb before blow-drying the piece of hair, mist thick or curly pieces of hair with a moisturizing setting spray and letting the thick or curly piece of hair dry before shaking out any bumps or creases from the thick or curly piece of hair.

The drawbacks with known hair ties are further exacerbated with users who simply opt to be limited to a particular style of the piece of hair in order to avoid bumps that plague many of the hair ties currently known in the art, such as wearing only low ponytails and then curling the ends of the ponytails. As such, none of the prior art has been able to provide a hair tie that can secure any type of hair in any style without creating bumps, dents or creases in the piece of hair the hair tie is meant to secure.

As such, a hair tie that can secure a piece of hair of any size type or style and that does not create any bumps, dents or creases in the piece of hair is currently needed. The hair tie disclosed herein provides such a hair tie. These and other advantages of the invention, as well as additional inventive features, will be apparent from the description of the invention provided herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the invention is directed to a hair tie comprising an elastic loop and a hook. The hair tie further comprises of a first and a second end wherein a hook is coupled to the elastic loop by a coupler at the first end of the hair tie. The second end of the hair tie comprises a portion of the elastic loop of the hair tie and an opening of the hair tie is formed by the elastic loop between the first end of the hair tie and a second end of the hair tie that is located opposite the first end of the hair tie. By way of example and not limitation, the elastic loop can be of varying thickness.

In yet another aspect, the invention is directed to a hair tie comprising an elastic loop and a hook, wherein the elastic loop is formed by one of a natural rubber, a synthetic rubber, a nitrile rubber, a silicone rubber, a urethane rubber, a chloroprene rubber or an Ethylene Vinyl Acetate.

In yet another aspect, the invention is directed to a hair tie comprising an elastic loop and a hook, wherein the elastic loop of the hair tie is covered by a fiber layer. By way of example and not limitation, the elastic loop can be composed of a natural fiber or a synthetic fiber.

In yet another aspect, the invention is directed to a hair tie comprising a decorative piece coupled to one of the elastic loop, the coupler or the hook of the hair tie.

In yet another aspect, the invention is directed to a hair tie comprising a fastener coupled to the second end of the hair tie by a mechanical means, a magnetic means, a vacuum means or an adhesive means.

In yet another aspect, the invention is directed to a hair tie in which the fastener comprises one of a hook, a suction cup, a magnet, a loop, a lynch pin, an R-clip, a split pin, a spring pin, a tapered pin, a snap fastener, a threaded fastener, a twisting fastener, a buckle, a clip or a clamp fastener.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method for securing a piece of hair when providing a hair tie with an elastic loop and a hook. The hook is coupled to the elastic loop by a coupler at a first end of the hair tie and wherein the second end of the hair tie is formed by a portion of the elastic loop of the hair tie and an opening of the hair tie is formed by the elastic loop between the first end of the hair tie and a second end of the hair tie that is located opposite the first end of the hair tie.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method for winding the piece of hair using the hair tie including partially wrapping the hair tie around a piece of hair, such that the first end of the hair tie extends over a first side of the piece of hair and the second end of the hair tie including extends over a second side of the piece of hair. Securing the second end of the hair tie and applying a force on the first end of the hair tie until the elastic loop of the hair tie begins to expand. Applying force on the first end of the hair tie until the first end of the hair tie is positioned adjacent to the second end of the hair tie. Guiding the first end of the hair tie including the hook through a portion of the opening of the hair tie located at the second end of the hair tie. Wrapping the first end of the hair tie around the piece of hair. Adjusting the position of the hook until at least a portion of the hook is extending through the elastic loop. Releasing the first end of the hair tie, such that the hook couples to the elastic loop while the elastic loop is contracting and applying a radially inward force on the piece of hair being secured in place by the hair tie.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a method for securing the piece of hair where the piece of hair secured by the hair tie is one of a ponytail, a braid or a dreadlock.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a method for securing the piece of hair where the step of securing the second end of the hair tie is done by the first hand of a user.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a method for securing the piece of hair where the step of applying a force on the first end of the hair tie is done by a second hand of a user.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a method for securing the piece of hair where the first end of the hair tie is wrapped around the piece of hair only one time before the hook is coupled to the elastic loop.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a method for securing the piece of hair where the first end of the hair tie is wrapped around the piece of hair more than one time before the hook is coupled to the elastic loop.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a method for securing the piece of hair where the elastic loop is formed by one of a natural rubber, a synthetic rubber, a nitrile rubber, a silicone rubber, a urethane rubber, a chloroprene rubber or an Ethylene Vinyl Acetate.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a method for securing the piece of hair where the elastic loop of the hair tie is covered by a layer composed of a natural fiber or a synthetic fiber.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a method for securing the piece of hair where the natural fiber or the synthetic fiber can include a color.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a method for securing the piece of hair where the hair tie includes a decorative piece coupled to one of the elastic loop, the coupler or the hook of the hair tie.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a method for securing the piece of hair where the decorative piece is non-removably coupled to one of the elastic loop, the coupler or the hook of the hair tie.

In still yet another aspect, the invention provides a method for securing a piece of hair when providing a hair tie with an elastic loop and a fastener. The fastener is coupled to the elastic loop by a coupler at a first end of the hair tie and wherein the second end of the hair tie is formed by a portion of the elastic loop of the hair tie. An opening of the hair tie is formed by the elastic loop between the first end of the hair tie and a second end of the hair tie that is located opposite the first end of the hair tie. The method for securing the piece of hair including partially wrapping the hair tie around a piece of hair, such that the first end of the hair tie extends over a first side of the piece of hair and the second end of the hair tie including extends over a second side of the piece of hair. Securing the second end of the hair tie and applying a force on the first end of the hair tie until the elastic loop of the hair tie begins to expand. Applying force on the first end of the hair tie until the first end of the hair tie is positioned adjacent to the second end of the hair tie. Guiding the first end of the hair tie including the fastener through a portion of the opening of the hair tie located at the second end of the hair tie. Wrapping the first end of the hair tie around the piece of hair. Adjusting the position of the fastener until at least a portion of the fastener is extending through the elastic loop. Releasing the first end of the hair tie such that the fastener couples to the elastic loop while the elastic loop is contracting and applying a radially inward force on the piece of hair being secured by the hair tie.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method for securing the piece of hair where the piece of hair is one of a ponytail, a braid or a dreadlock.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method for securing the piece of hair where the step of securing the second end of the hair tie is done by the first hand of a user.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method for securing the piece of hair where the elastic loop is formed by one of a natural rubber, a synthetic rubber, a nitrile rubber, a silicone rubber, a urethane rubber, a chloroprene rubber, or an Ethylene Vinyl Acetate.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method for securing the piece of hair where the elastic loop includes an exterior cover that is formed of a natural fiber or a synthetic fiber.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method for securing the piece of hair where the hair tie includes a decorative piece that is coupled to one of the elastic loop, the coupler or the hook of the hair tie.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method for securing the piece of hair where the fastener couples to the second end of the hair tie by a mechanical means, a magnetic means, a vacuum means, or an adhesive means.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method for securing the piece of hair where the fastener comprises one of a hook, a suction cup, a magnet, a loop, a lynch pin, a R-clip, a split pin, a spring pin, a tapered pin, a snap fastener, a threaded fastener, a twisting fastener, a buckle, a clip, or a clamp fastener.

Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is one embodiment of a hair tie according to one aspect of the present Application;

FIG. 2A illustrates a first series of steps for securing a piece of hair using the hair tie illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B illustrates a second series of steps for securing a piece of hair using the hair tie illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2C illustrates a third series of steps for securing a piece of hair using the hair tie illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2D illustrates a fourth series of steps for securing a piece of hair using the hair tie illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2E illustrates an alternative to the fourth series of steps illustrated in FIG. 2D for securing a piece of hair using the hair tie illustrated in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 provides a schematic illustration of the series of steps for securing a piece of hair of a user illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2D.

While the invention will be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to those embodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a hair tie 100 according to one aspect of the present Application. As illustrated, the hair tie 100 includes an elastic loop 102 and a fastener 104.

In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener 104 is in the form of a hook 104 (hereinafter “hook”). In the illustrated embodiment, the elastic loop 102 of the hair tie 100 is coupled to the hook 104 by a coupler 106. The hair tie 100 has a substantially circular shape when the hook 104 is coupled to the elastic loop 102 by the coupler 106. As is also illustrated, when the hook 104 is coupled to the elastic loop 102 via the coupler 106 an opening 108 is formed in the hair tie 100.

The opening 108 extends between a first end 110 of the hair tie 100 that includes the hook 104 and coupler 106 and a second end 112 of the hair tie 100 that is formed by a portion of the elastic loop 102 that is located opposite the position of the hook 104 and coupler 106.

The opening 108 extends between a first side 114 of the hair tie 100 and a second side 116 of the hair tie 100. As illustrated, the first side 114 of the hair tie 100 is formed by a portion of the elastic loop 102 extending between the first end 110 of the hair tie 100 and the second end 112 of the hair tie 100 and the second side 116 of the hair tie 100 is formed by a portion of the elastic loop 102 opposite that of the first side 114 that also extends between the first end 110 of the hair tie 100 and the second end 112 of the hair tie 100.

In the illustrated embodiment, by way of example and not limitation, the elastic loop 102 of the hair tie 100 can be formed from any material generally known in the art that has elastic properties, such as, but not limited to a natural rubber, a synthetic rubber, a nitrile rubber, a silicone rubber, a urethane rubber, a chloroprene rubber or an Ethylene Vinyl Acetate.

As will be appreciated, it is envisioned that other embodiments of the hair tie 100 governed by the principles of the present Application may include any type of fastener 104 that is generally known in the art such as, but not limited to, a hook, a suction cup, a magnet, a loop, a lynch pin, an R-clip, a split pin, a spring pin, a tapered pin, a snap fastener, a threaded fastener, a twisting fastener, a buckle, a clip or a clamp fastener.

It is also envisioned that other embodiments of the hair tie 100 governed by the principles of the present Application may be fitted to include any coupling structure or coupling surface that is needed to accommodate any type of fastener 104 that is generally known in the art, such as, but not limited to, including a coupling structure or coupling surface capable of coupling to a hook, a suction cup, a magnet, a loop, a lynch pin, a R-clip, a split pin, a spring pin, a tapered pin, a snap fastener, a threaded fastener, a twisting fastener, a buckle, a clip or a clamp fastener.

Still further, it is also envisioned that in some embodiments of the hair tie 100 governed by the principles of the present Application, the coupler 106 may be any type of coupling means generally known in the art such as, but not limited to, any type of mechanical coupling means, adhesive coupling means, chemical coupling means or magnetic coupling means.

Further, it is also envisioned that in other embodiments of the hair tie 100 governed by the principles of the present Application the elastic loop 102 may be covered by any type of material generally known in the art, such as but not limited, to a natural fiber or synthetic fiber. Further still, it is also envisioned that in some embodiments of the hair tie 100 governed by the principles of the present Application, the natural fibers or synthetic fibers used to cover the elastic loop 102 may be dyed to be any color desired by a user.

In still yet other embodiments of the hair tie 100 governed by the principles of the present Application, it is envisioned that a decorative piece or decorative pieces may be coupled to a portion of the hair tie 100, such as, but not limited to the elastic loop 102, the fastener 104 or the coupler 106. As will be understood, such embodiments of the hair tie 100 that include the decorative piece or decorative pieces will allow a user to pick a hair tie 100 that includes all of the benefits of the hair tie 100 disclosed herein and also provides the benefit of providing the user a hair tie 100 that matches the user's specific style tastes.

In other embodiments of the hair tie 100 disclosed herein, it is envisioned that the decorative piece or decorative pieces will be removably coupled to the elastic loop 102, fastener 104 or coupler 106, such that the decorative piece or pieces can be removed or exchanged to accommodate or match the current style preferences of each specific user.

It is also envisioned that in other embodiments of the hair tie 100 governed by the principles of the present Application, the hair tie 100 may include a decorative piece or decorative pieces that are permanently or non-removably coupled to a portion of the hair tie 100, such as, but not limited to, the elastic loop 102, fastener 104 or coupler 106, such that a user cannot remove the decorative piece or pieces from the hair ties 100.

In other embodiments of the hair tie 100 governed by the principles of the present Application, it is envisioned that the hook 104 and the elastic loop 102 will be integrally formed together, such that a coupler 106 would not be required to secure the hook 104 and the elastic loop 102 of the hair tie 100.

Turning to FIGS. 2A-2E with reference to FIG. 3, a method for securing a piece of hair 200 using the hair tie 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 is provided. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2E the piece of hair 200 to be secured with the hair tie 100 is in the form of a traditional pony tail. However, the hair tie 100 disclosed herein is not meant to be limited to only being used with a traditional ponytail. Indeed, it is envisioned that hair ties 100 governed by the principles of the present Application may be used to secure any size, type of style of hair desired by a user.

Turning back to FIG. 2A, the piece of hair 200 to be secured by the hair tie 100 includes a first side 202 and a second side 204 that extend between the end 206 of the piece of hair 200 and the base 208 of the piece of hair 208 that is located in close proximity to the head 210 of the user.

To begin securing the piece of hair 200 with the hair tie 100 the user will position the hair tie 100 so that the hair tie 100 is at least partially wrapped around the piece of hair 200, as indicated by reference numeral 300 of FIG. 2A. In the illustrated embodiment, the user has positioned the first end 110 of the hair tie including the hook 104 to extend over the first side 202 of the piece of hair 200 and has positioned the second end 112 of the hair tie 100 formed by a portion of the elastic loop 102 located opposite the hook 104 to extend over the second side 204 of the piece of hair 200.

Next, the user will hold the second end 112 of the hair tie 100 in place with the user's second hand and apply an axial force on the first end 110 of the hair tie 100 with the user's first hand. As will be understood, the axial force applied by the user on the first end 110 of the hair tie 100 causes the elastic loop 102 of the hair tie 100 to expand into an extended state, which allows the user to move the first end 110 of the hair tie 100 including the hook 104 towards the second end 112 of the hair tie 100 while the second end 112 of the hair tie 100 remains in relatively the same position due to the second end 112 of the hair tie 100 remaining secured in place by the second hand of the user.

Next, after the first end 110 of the hair tie 100 has been pulled to a position adjacent the second end 112 of the hair tie 100 the user will then use their second hand to guide the first end 112 of the hair tie 100 including the hook 104 through the opening 108 of the elastic loop 102 of the hair tie 100, as indicated by reference numeral 302 of FIG. 2A & FIG. 3.

Turning to FIG. 2B, after the first end 110 of the hair tie 100 has been pulled through the opening 108 of the elastic loop 102, the user will continue to apply an axial force on the first end 110 of the hair tie 100 using their second hand as indicated by reference numeral 303 of FIG. 2B. As will be understood, when the user applies enough axial force on the first end 110 of the hair tie 110, the elastic loop 102 of the hair tie 100 will no longer be able to expand and it will cause the portion of the elastic loop 102 wrapped around the piece of hair 200 to tighten around the piece of hair 200.

Turning to FIG. 2C, once the user has applied enough axial force on the hair tie 100 to sufficiently tighten the elastic loop 102 around the piece of hair 200, the user will then apply a radial force on the first end 110 of the hair tie 100, such that the first end 110 of the hair tie 100 is moved radially from the second side 204 of the piece of hair 200 to the first side 202 of the piece of hair 200 as indicated by reference numeral 304 in FIG. 2C.

As will be understood, the method for securing a piece of hair 200 disclosed herein can just as easily be performed when a user's first hand is their left hand as it can be when a user's first hand is their right hand. Likewise, it will also be understood that the method for securing a piece of hair 200 disclosed herein can just as easily be performed when a user's second hand is their right hand as it can be performed when the user's second hand is their left hand.

Further, as will also be understood, it is envisioned that according to one embodiment of the method for securing a piece of hair 200 using the hair tie 100 disclosed herein, the user could use only one hand to perform one of, some of or all of the steps of the method disclosed herein.

As will also be understood, the method for securing a piece of hair using the hair tie 100 disclosed herein can also be similarly performed by a third party that is helping the user secure their piece of hair 200 with the hair tie 100, such as, but not limited to, a hair stylist or a friend of the user.

Turning back to FIG. 2C, after the first end 110 of the hair tie 100 has been pulled over the piece of hair 200, the user will continue to apply an axial and radial force on the first end 110 of the hair tie 100 until the first end 110 of the hair tie 100 is positioned underneath the piece of hair 200 that is generally in-between the first side 202 and the second side 204 of the piece of hair 200, as indicated by reference numeral 306 in FIG. 2C.

Next, after the user has positioned the first end 110 of the hair tie 100 underneath the piece of hair 200, the user will then continue to apply the axial and radial force on the first end 110 of the hair tie 100 until the user feels that the elastic loop 102 has been wrapped tightly enough around the piece of hair 200 to secure the piece of hair 200 in place while the user performs any activities that are planned during the user's day.

After the user determines that the elastic loop 102 is wrapped tightly enough around the piece of hair 200, the user will then position the hook 104 in proximity to a portion of the elastic loop 102 of the user's choosing as indicated by reference numeral 308 in FIG. 2C.

With reference to FIG. 2D, after the user has positioned the first end 110 of the hair tie 100 so that the hook 104 has been positioned in close proximity to the portion of the elastic loop 102 selected by the user, the user will then guide or position the hook 104 in such a manner that the hook 104 will at least partially enclose the portion of the elastic loop 102 chosen by the user, as indicated by reference numeral 310 in FIG. 2D.

After the hook 104 is at least partially enclosing the portion of the elastic loop 102 selected by the user, all the user has left to do is release the first end 110 of the hair tie 100 and allow the hook 104 to catch on the portion of the elastic loop 102 chosen by the user.

As will be understood, when the user releases the first end 110 of the hair tie 100 from their hand, it removes all of the axial and radial forces that the user was applying on the first end 110 of the hair tie 100 that were responsible for keeping the elastic loop 102 in its expanded state. In other words, when the user releases the first end 110 of the hair tie 100, the axial and radial forces keeping the elastic loop 102 in its expanded state are removed from the elastic loop 102 and the elastic loop immediately retracts back into its contracted or non-expanded state.

As the elastic loop 102 contracts and returns to its non-extended state, it tightens around the piece of hair 200 and applies a radially inward force on the piece of hair 200. It is this radial inward force generated by the contraction of the elastic loop 102 of the hair tie 100 that acts to secure the piece of hair 200 of the user, such that the piece of hair 200 is not inadvertently dislodged while the user goes through the day. It is also this radial inward force that prevents any bumps, creases or dents in pieces of hair 200 that are secured using the hair tie 100 disclosed herein.

Next, with reference to FIG. 2E, an alternative final step in the method of securing a piece of hair 200 using the hair tie 100 disclosed herein is provided. As will be understood, all of the steps of the method illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C will remain the same and the alternative final step illustrated in FIG. 2E will replace the final step illustrated in FIG. 2D.

In the alternative final step illustrated in FIG. 2E, after user has wound the first end 110 of the hair tie 100 around the piece of hair 200, as illustrated by reference numerals 304 and 306 in FIG. 2, the user will continue to apply axial and radial forces on the first end 110 of the hair tie 100 and continue to wind the first end 100 of the hair tie 100 around the piece of hair 200 using the same steps illustrated by reference numerals 304 and 306 in FIG. 2C.

Typically, the user will continue applying axial and radial forces on the first end 110 of the hair tie 100 until the elastic loop 102 has been wound around the piece of hair 200 enough times that the user feels that the hair tie 100 will be able to apply sufficient inward radial force on the piece of hair 200 to keep the piece of hair 200 in place.

Once the user determines that they have wound the first end 110 of the hair tie 100 around the piece of hair 200 enough times to sufficiently hold the piece of hair 200 in place, the user will then place the hook 104 adjacent the elastic loop 102 and position the hook 104 until it is at least partially inserted around the elastic loop 102. The user will then release the first end 110 of the hair tie 100, which will release the axial and radial forces that were being applied to the first end 110 of the hair tie 100 as it was being wound around the piece of hair 200.

After the axial and radial forces have been removed from the first end 110 of the hair tie 100, the elastic loop 102 will contract to its non-extended state. The contraction of the elastic loop 102 to its non-extended state will cause the elastic loop 102 to tighten around the piece of hair 200, such that the elastic loop 102 of the hair tie 100 will apply a radial inward force on the piece of hair 200. The radial inward force exerted by the elastic loop 102 on the piece of hair 200 further secures the piece of hair 200 when the hair tie 100 disclosed herein is used to secure a piece of hair 200 of a user.

As will be understood, one of the benefits of the hair tie 100 disclosed herein is that a user can use a single hair tie 100 when securing pieces of hair 200 that have very different thicknesses or outer diameters.

For example, if the user wants to secure a piece of hair 200 that has a larger outside diameter the user may only wind the first end 110 of the hair tie 100 around the piece of hair 200 one or two times before securing the hook 104 to a portion of the elastic loop 102.

However, if the user then wants to secure a piece of hair having a smaller outer diameter using the same hair tie 100 used to secure the piece of hair 200 with the larger outside diameter, the user could easily do so by simply winding the first end 110 of the hair tie 100 around the piece of hair 200 having the smaller diameter a few more times, such as winding the first end 110 of the hair tie 100 around the smaller diameter piece of hair 200 three or four times compared to the one or two times the first end 110 of the hair tie 100 was wound around the piece of hair 200 having the larger outside diameter.

As will be understood, each time the first end 110 of the hair tie 100 is wound around the piece of hair 200 it will increase the tension of the elastic loop 102, which will create greater radial inward force on the piece of hair 200 that the first end 110 of the hair tie 100 is being wound around. The tension created in the elastic loop 102 will correspond directly with the amount of radial inward force that will be applied to the piece of hair 200 by the elastic loop 102 when the first end 110 of the hair tie 100 is released by the user.

As such, if a user wants to secure a piece of hair 200 with a smaller outer diameter, as discussed above, the user will simply wind the first end 110 of the hair tie 100 around the piece of hair 200 more times than it would for a similar piece of hair 200 having a larger outer diameter.

All references, including publications, patent applications and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. 

What is claimed:
 1. A method for securing a piece of hair comprising: providing a hair tie with an elastic loop and a hook; wherein the hook is coupled to the elastic loop by a coupler at a first end of the hair tie and wherein the second end of the hair tie is formed by a portion of the elastic loop of the hair tie; and wherein an opening of the hair tie is formed by the elastic loop between the first end of the hair tie and a second end of the hair tie that is located opposite the first end of the hair tie; wherein the method for winding the piece of hair using the hair tie includes the steps of: partially wrapping the hair tie around a piece of hair, such that the first end of the hair tie extends over a first side of the piece of hair and the second end of the hair tie extends over a second side of the piece of hair; securing the second end of the hair tie and applying a force on the first end of the hair tie until the elastic loop of the hair tie begins to expand; applying force on the first end of the hair tie until the first end of the hair tie is positioned adjacent to the second end of the hair tie; guiding the first end of the hair tie including the hook through a portion of the opening of the hair tie located at the second end of the hair tie; wrapping the first end of the hair tie around the piece of hair; adjusting the position of the hook until at least a portion of the hook is extending through the elastic loop; and releasing the first end of the hair tie, such that the hook couples to the elastic loop with the elastic loop contracting to apply a radial inward force on the piece of hair being secured in place by the hair tie.
 2. The method for securing the piece of hair of claim 1, wherein the piece of hair secured by the hair tie is one of a ponytail, a braid or a dreadlock.
 3. The method for securing the piece of hair of claim 1, wherein the step of securing the second end of the hair tie is done by a first hand of a user and the step of applying a force on the first end of the hair tie is done by a second hand of a user.
 4. The method for securing the piece of hair of claim 1, wherein the first end of the hair tie is wrapped around the piece of hair at least one time before the hook is coupled to the elastic loop.
 5. The method for securing the piece of hair of claim 1, wherein the elastic loop is formed by one of a natural rubber, a synthetic rubber, a nitrile rubber, a silicone rubber, a urethane rubber, a chloroprene rubber, or an Ethylene Vinyl Acetate.
 6. The method for securing the piece of hair of claim 1, wherein the elastic loop of the hair tie is covered by a layer composed of a natural fiber or a synthetic fiber.
 7. The method for securing a piece of hair of claim 6, wherein the natural fiber or the synthetic fiber can include a color.
 8. The method for securing the piece of hair of claim 1, wherein the hair tie includes a decorative piece which can be removably or non-removably coupled to one of the elastic loop, the coupler or the hook of the hair tie.
 9. A method for securing a piece of hair comprising: providing a hair tie having including an elastic loop and a fastener; wherein the fastener is coupled to the elastic loop by a coupler at a first end of the hair tie and wherein the second end of the hair tie is formed by a portion of the elastic loop of the hair tie; and wherein an opening of the hair tie is formed by the elastic loop between the first end of the hair tie and a second end of the hair tie that is located opposite the first end of the hair tie; the method for securing the piece of hair comprising the steps of: partially wrapping the hair tie around a piece of hair, such that the first end of the hair tie extends over a first side of the piece of hair and the second end of the hair tie extends over a second side of the piece of hair; securing the second end of the hair tie and applying a force on the first end of the hair tie until the elastic loop of the hair tie begins to expand; applying force on the first end of the hair tie until the first end of the hair tie is positioned adjacent to the second end of the hair tie; guiding the first end of the hair tie including the fastener through a portion of the opening of the hair tie located at the second end of the hair tie; wrapping the first end of the hair tie around the piece of hair; adjusting the position of the fastener until at least a portion of the fastener is extending through the elastic loop; and releasing the first end of the hair tie such that the fastener couples to the elastic loop while the elastic loop is contracting and applying a radial inward force on the piece of hair being secured by the hair tie.
 10. The method for securing the piece of hair of claim 9, wherein the piece of hair is one of a ponytail, a braid or a dreadlock.
 11. The method for securing the piece of hair of claim 9, wherein the step of securing the second end of the hair tie is done by the first hand of a user.
 12. The method for securing the piece of hair of claim 9, wherein the elastic loop is formed by one of a natural rubber, a synthetic rubber, a nitrile rubber, a silicone rubber, a urethane rubber, a chloroprene rubber or an Ethylene Vinyl Acetate.
 13. The method for securing the piece of hair of claim 9, wherein the elastic loop includes an exterior cover that is formed of a natural fiber or a synthetic fiber.
 14. The method for securing the piece of hair of claim 9, wherein the hair tie includes a decorative piece that is coupled to one of the elastic loop, the coupler or the hook of the hair tie.
 15. The method for securing the piece of hair of claim 9, wherein the fastener couples to the second end of the hair tie by a mechanical means, a magnetic means, a vacuum means or an adhesive means.
 16. The method for securing the piece of hair of claim 9, wherein the fastener comprises one of a hook, a suction cup, a magnet, a loop, a lynch pin, an R-clip, a split pin, a spring pin, a tapered pin, a snap fastener, a threaded fastener, a twisting fastener, a buckle, a clip or a clamp fastener.
 17. A hair tie comprising: an elastic loop; a first end and a second end; wherein the second end of the hair tie is formed by a portion of the elastic loop of the hair tie; a hook coupled to the elastic loop by a coupler at the first end of the hair tie; and wherein the hair tie further comprises an opening formed by the elastic loop between the first end of the hair tie and a second end of the hair tie that is located opposite the first end of the hair tie.
 18. The hair tie of claim 17, wherein the elastic loop can be made from one of the following materials: a natural rubber, a synthetic rubber, a nitrile rubber, a silicone rubber, a urethane rubber, a chloroprene rubber or an Ethylene Vinyl Acetate.
 19. The hair tie of claim 17, wherein the elastic loop of the hair tie is covered by a layer composed of a natural fiber or a synthetic fiber and wherein the natural fiber or the synthetic fiber can include a color.
 20. The hair tie of claim 17, wherein the hair tie includes a decorative piece coupled to one of the elastic loop, the coupler or the hook of the hair tie. 